Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of mistakes that could occur during installation and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that can accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels substantial but they also appreciate its ease of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good alternative for parents who utilize rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires little effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and provide the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and that it has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent mobility even with the seat on.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have one, swivel front wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, such as one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or planning an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and a lot of models come with features that help them distinct from other models. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a single button. This is a time-saving feature and allows you to avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and then fold it up into a compact size that can be stored inside the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and smart touches, like a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, a twin stroller or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for those who utilize ride-shares and public transportation frequently. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who require their hands free while traveling with their kids.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across different conditions. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and have wheels that fold for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a standard seat that can be converted into a booster once the child no longer requires an infant carrier. what is it worth (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of a button. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or have plans for more than one child. If that's the scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat can work in conjunction. Consider buying an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily convert from a car to a stroller, and vice versa. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and unfold it into the form of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can accommodate the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, you can expect to get more life from the product since it will continue to be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. In any scenario, you should check through our reviews to determine the best option for you.